EX-POLICEMAN Adrian Shurmer is holding the balance of power at HYNDBURN after a sensational result gave Labour a clobbering.

Independent Mr Shurmer ousted Labour leader George Slynn in Netherton ward and gleeful Conservatives made 11 gains to give the borough a hung council.

Both Labour and the Tories now have 23 seats each, with Coun Shurmer the lone independent - and he claims he may even put his name forward for council leader.

Mayor Ian Ormerod lost his Milnshaw seat by just eight votes after a recount and former mayors Maurice Cowell and Jack Grime were also booted out.

Labour was defending 16 seats but could only cling on to four. Their only bright spot was the return of Jean Battle in Barnfield following her defeat last year.

Mr Shurmer said: "I have been elected as an independent councillor. I have no axe to grind with any party, but I have not made any decisions yet about my role.

"The council uses millions of pounds of public money and I am going to make sure we ask people what they want to do with it."

Mr Slynn, a borough councillor for 30 years, said: "This is a black day for Labour. I'm disappointed to lose and sad that we haven't been able to hold onto power. "It looks like some of my supporters just drifted off while a lot of the Tory voters seemed to have sided with the independent."

Delighted Tory leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "This result is beyond our wildest dreams. We thought we might win eight seats but to take 11 is fantastic.

"Three years ago we couldn't hope to be in this position. It's now a hung council and we will be having discussions with the independent candidate."

Hyndburn's Labour MP Greg Pope added: "The result is disappointing for Labour, but it was clearly distorted by a low turnout.

"I'd like to congratulate the Conservatives and pledge to the people of Hyndburn that I will continue to work closely with the council even though Labour has lost power."

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